K-12 Pipeline Initiative

This initiative provides outreach and support services to the local elementary school, middle school, and high school students in hopes of encouraging and promoting interest in the sciences and health professions. The University of South Florida’s Morsani College of Medicine (MCOM) is committed to enlarging the pool of qualified applicants from groups under-represented in medicine and/or disadvantaged backgrounds. To achieve this goal USF MCOM Office of Student Diversity and Enrichment offers programs and services for high school students interested in pursuing a career in medicine.

Key objectives include:

Encourage and prepare populations underrepresented in medicine to pursue college

Improve academic achievement and career success among disadvantaged youth

Create a pipeline of healthcare professionals at the local level

Programs

USF Health Mentoring Group – USF medical, nursing, public health and physical therapy students are matched with high-school students to using a near-peer mentoring model.

The mission of the USF Health Mentoring Group is to support the educational, wellness and career goals of Hillsborough County’s disadvantaged students, by providing near peer mentoring, e.g., mentors who are closer to their own age versus traditional teachers.

Spring Break Health Academy – health and science workshop series held during the Hillsborough county school district spring break

USF Health Summer Science Program – In partnership with USF Upward Bound and College Reach Out Program (CROP) USF MCOM provides a health science curriculum for students interested in pursuing a health professions career.